I've used artificial sinew in many projects, and it is an excellent choice for a strong seam. I've used it on sheaths for knives and medieval shoes. On the shoes, one is sewn with heavy duty nylon thread, the other with artificial sinew. Why? Because the sinew sewn one was resewn after the nylon blew out, and the other shoe which is still stitched with nylon is starting to come apart, while the newly sewn one is as sturdy as it was the day I sewed it.

I don't use a groover or a ponce wheel, but use what tools you feel you need and that suit what you're doing. I use an awl, dividers, two glovers needles, and a thimble for most projects.